'This has been a tough year': York Regional Police launch 2020 Holiday Heroes campaign

Newmarkettoday.ca
November 19, 2020

York Regional Police has launched its annual Holiday Heroes campaign to help make Christmas merry for vulnerable local families, victims of domestic violence and their children, as well as for victims of human trafficking.

"Without a doubt, this has been a tough year, especially for those in need. Our partner, Victim Services of York Region, alone, has seen a 150 per cent increase in calls for help. That's why we need you to be a holiday hero," Deputy Chief Brian Bigras said in a campaign launch video.

Despite the pandemic, special events coordinator Heather Treftlin told NewmarketToday that the campaign will go ahead much as it has in previous years, just with extra precautions.

Treftlin said the goal is to raise the $250,000 in monetary and in-kind donations that they have in previous years. Those donations of money, toys, food, gift cards and other items go to local community agencies, such as Victim Services and the Salvation Army.

"In the past, we usually have a lot of volunteers at our events, but because of COVID-19, we will be reducing the number of volunteers and officers we have out this year," she said.

"Any toys we get will sit for two weeks to give the virus time to wear off. All of the donations will be handled by people wearing PPE such as gloves and masks. Also, when our officers are out, they will be wearing PPE and practising social distancing."

"So we are allowed to go ahead even during the red-control level. But if the region gets locked down, we will have to reassess."

There are six Holiday Heroes food and toy drives scheduled in Newmarket this year:

• Nov 21: Toys R UYs, 17600 Yonge St. - noon to 5 p.m.
• Nov 22: Toys R UYs, 17600 Yonge St. - noon to 5 p.m.
• Nov. 26: Canadian Tire, 17750 Yonge St. - 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
• Nov. 28: Canadian Tire, 17750 Yonge St. - 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
• Dec. 5: Upper Canada Mall, 17600 Yonge St. - TBD
• Dec. 6: Upper Canada Mall, 17600 Yonge St. - TBD

If you're wondering what to donate, Treftlin had some suggestions:

• Baby items such as diapers, wipes and formula.
• New winter clothing, such as hats, gloves, boots and coats.
• Gift cards useful for families from grocery stores, drug stores, restaurants.
• Gift cards that teens will enjoy, such as Amazon, Google Play Store, Playstation or Xbox, or fast-food restaurants.
• Children's toys.
• Presents for pre-teens (click for a long list of suggestions)

The campaign ends on Dec. 11.